January 11, 1998, we held the Transition Ceremony bidding fond farewell to Rev. and Mrs. Joong Hyun Pak as our Continental Director, and welcoming Rev. and Mrs. Dow Soon Yim as our new Continental Director. It was a lovely ceremony, with approximately 150 New York area leaders in attendance at the 43rd Street Chapel. Regional Directors from Washington, DC, Boston, Chicago, Minneapolis and Los Angeles also attended.
A number of plaques, gifts, letters and so forth were presented to the Paks, honoring their 24 years of dedication in North America. After Rev. Pak’s farewell address, Rev. Dr. Yim gave his opening speech. This is a brief resume for Rev. Dr. and Mrs. Yim:
Born in Chunjoo, True Mother’s hometown in what is now North Korea
Joined May 1, 1959, went out as a pioneer missionary in 1960
Blessing in 1962, a 72 Couple, with Myung Ok Shim Yim. She has served the True Family since 1973.
Dr. Bo Hi Pak is spiritual parent of him and wife. He went to the same high school at Dr. Pak (in Chun An, after relocating in the South)
Chief of Security at Han Nam Dong
Caretaking Han Nam Dong
Taking care of Daemo Nim and adopted son of Daemo Nim. Mrs. Im is close attendant of Daemo Nim on the earth.
One son who is in the army
Served as Ocean Church Director for 3.5 years
Served as RD of Seattle, Chicago and Atlanta
RD of Seoul Region, three separate times
VP of HSA-UWC Korea
Ph.D. in religion from Faith Seminary, Philadelphia, 1988
National Messiah of Kenya -- 7 million couples blessed -- won award from TP for blessing results, 5th place worldwide
He spent his own money to send Kenya members to Chung Pyung Lake
Rev. Yim’s speech had the most dramatic ending of any speech I have ever heard. He said that just before coming to the event that afternoon, True Mother had phoned him. She asked if the inauguration had yet taken place, and Rev. Yim said no, but that it would start soon. Then Mother said that as soon as it finished, Rev. Yim should come to Japan to lead a special evangelical team there for the next three or four months! And, in the meantime, Rev. Pak should maintain Continental Director responsibilities!
Well, this was a shock to everyone, including Rev. and Mrs. Pak!
He departed for Tokyo, stating that he would return as soon as possible! He also testified strongly to his desire to learn from and inherit everything which Rev. and Mrs. Pak have accomplished in America. He called himself a kindergarten teacher suddenly in the position to teach doctoral students.
In his speeches he emphasized several important themes:
The blessings received by America compared to Africa.
The importance of personal and family spirituality, centering on Hoon Dok Hwe (reading Father’s words).
The importance of learning Korean.
Witnessing about the Blessing to Christian ministers and giving the blessing to their churches.
Continental Directors
The new continental directors announced at the God’s Day leader’s meeting are:
1. Asia Rev. Jin Hee Yu (72 Couple)
2. North America Rev. Dow Soon Yim (72 Couple)
3. South America Rev. Sun Ho Jung (Kisong PMC)
4. Oceania Rev. Zin Moon Kim (430 Couple)
5. Africa Rev. Bong San Yoo (124 Couple)
6. Middle East Rev. Sik You (124 Couple)
7. Europe Rev. Myung Won Jung (124 Couple)
8. Northeast Rev. Geun Sik Song (72 Couple)